Ten Ways To Get More Out Of Wine

Is the cabernet in your pantry a better fit for the new Death Cab for Cutie, or is some classic Sinatra a better bet? How about that pinot grigio in the fridge? Feist or the Beatles?

As if figuring out which wine was right for which setting, meal or occasion wasn’t a complicated enough process already, a new study just upped the ante.

According to a recent study conducted by researchers at Heriot Watt University in Scotland, subjects were more likely to enjoy certain wines depending on the music they listened to as they sipped.

The researchers found, for example, that cabernet sauvignon was far preferred by subjects when "powerful and heavy" music was played and that chardonnay rated higher when "zingy and refreshing" sounds were heard.

Interesting stuff to be sure, but don’t we have enough to contemplate when choosing a wine? Don’t sweat it. We’ve talked to the experts and come up with a list of surefire ways to get more out of each bottle (and help in finding the right one) no matter what the circumstances.

10. Find Your Own Wine Guy

“My very best tip is this: Get to know very well a retailer, not a store but a person,” says Tom Wark, of Wark Communications, a public relations and marketing firm for wineries, who also blogs about his favorite topic at the blog. “Know their name and how many kids they have. Become their friend.”

This is one all the experts agreed on. A relationship with a knowledgeable retailer is the best way to ensure that every sip you drink will be to your liking. With time, this person will get to know your tastes and be able to recommend new wines.